scene | heard Warm winter wishes from our family to yours! 56 faulkner lifestyle | december 2O19
pet care Holiday Hazards for Pets Mind these potential pet hazards to keep furry family members happy and healthy during the holiday season. If you fear your pet has ingested a toxin, remove the pet from the area and check to make sure it is breathing and acting normally. Do not give any home antidotes or induce vomiting without consulting a veterinarian or call the ASPCA‘s Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or, if veterinary attention is needed, go to your veterinarian. Chocolate. Depending on the dose ingested, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, and an increased heart rate. Sugar-free foods. Candies or gum—even some peanut butters and cupcakes—containing the sweetener xylitol can cause a drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. Leftovers. Bones can splinter and cause blockages. Greasy, spicy and fatty foods can cause upset stomach. Onions, garlic, chives and leeks are all poisonous to dogs and cats. Raisins, grapes and currants are also toxic to dogs. Liquor and Alcohol. Alcohol can cause a pet to go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure or from alcohol toxicity. Aluminum foil. Aluminum foil and cellophane wrappers can cause vomiting and intestinal blockage. Pets may get into trash to retrieve aluminum foil after it has been used for food. Plants. Lilies, Mistletoe and Poinsettias are dangerous for animals. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Mistletoe and Holly berries can cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea), cardiovascular problems and lethargy. Poinsettias are considered very low in toxicity, but can cause vomiting or nausea. Christmas tree water and additives. Christmas tree water or additives for the trees may contain fertilizers or chemicals that can upset a pet’s stomach. Stagnant water can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. Decorations. Ribbon or tinsel can become lodged in intestines and cause an obstruction. Essential oils, often found in potpourri, can be toxic to animals. Broken glass ornaments can perforate intestines or cut paws, and some vintage ones contain mercury. Over-the-counter medication. Aspirin, acetaminophen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Kaopectate and Pepto Bismol are all common remedies for human revelers, but these medications are toxic to pets. Cleaning supplies. A variety of cleaners can be dangerous to pets. Drain cleaners, concentrated diswashing chemicals (including dishwasher tabs), lime removal products, oven cleaners and concentrated toilet cleaners pose the biggest threat. DR. THOMAS CABANTAC 2725 COLLEGE AVE • CONWAY • 501-329-2940 • TUCKERCREEKVET.COM WISHING YOU A PAWSITIVELY MERRY CHRISTMAS! faulknerlifestyle.com 57 faulknerlifestyle.com 57